Your DIY Move Starts Here

Local moving truck rental near me is one of the most searched terms for a DIY move. If you’re considering this route, here’s what you need to know.

Common Rental Options:
You’ll find a variety of rental options, from large, dedicated truck rental companies to local home improvement stores that offer trucks for hourly or daily use. Prices and features vary, but most offer a range of sizes to fit different needs.

What You’ll Need to Rent:

• Valid driver’s license
• Proof of insurance
• Credit card for payment
• Minimum age of 21 (some exceptions exist)

Renting a moving truck can save money compared to full-service movers. You control the schedule and how you pack, paying only for the truck and fuel. However, the trade-off is significant: you’re responsible for all the heavy lifting.

The Chicago area has dozens of rental locations, so finding a truck is rarely the issue. The real question is whether a DIY rental is the right choice for your specific move.

I’m Mina Georgalas, president of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years of experience in Chicago and Illinois relocations, I’ve seen many people start with a truck rental search only to find the true costs—in time, physical strain, and potential damage—outweigh the initial savings.

Simple cost for full service movers
full service local moving companies
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Your Complete Guide to Local Moving Truck Rental Near Me

Taking on a local move in Chicago or Melrose Park often starts with one big question: “Should I rent a truck myself or hire professionals?” If you’re leaning toward the DIY route, understanding everything about local moving truck rental near me is your first essential step.

What Size Moving Truck Do I Need for My Illinois Home?

Picking the right truck size is crucial. Too small, and you’ll make multiple trips through Chicago traffic. Too large, and you’re paying for unused space while navigating a massive vehicle.

• Pickup trucks: Best for single large items or a few boxes, like moving a new couch from a store in Elmhurst.
• Cargo vans: Ideal for studio or small one-bedroom apartments, offering enclosed space to protect items from weather.
• 10-15 foot box trucks: Suited for one- to two-bedroom apartments. A 10-foot truck fits a studio, while a 15-foot truck can handle a small home.
• 20-26 foot box trucks: These are the workhorses for larger moves. A 20-foot truck is good for a 2-3 bedroom home, and a 26-foot truck can handle 3-4+ bedrooms.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, size up slightly, but bigger trucks are harder to drive and park in tight Chicago spots. For more guidance, see our Chicago Moving Truck Rental Guide.

Understanding Costs for a Local Moving Truck Rental Near Me

That attractive low base rate is just the start. The full cost includes several factors:

• Base Rate & Mileage: The advertised daily rate (e.g., $19.95) is just a starting point. This rate often includes zero or very few miles. For local moves, you’ll pay a per-mile fee, which can range from $0.69 to over $1.29 depending on the company and location. A 20-mile round trip across Chicago could add $20-$25 to your bill before any other costs.
• Fuel: You are responsible for refueling the truck to its original level before returning it. Rental companies charge a significant premium per gallon if they have to refuel it for you, often two or three times the local pump price.
• Insurance and Waivers: Your personal auto insurance and credit card coverage almost never extend to large rental trucks. You will be offered several insurance options at the counter. These typically include a Damage Waiver (covers damage to the rental truck), Supplemental Liability Insurance (protects you against claims from third parties), and Cargo Protection (covers damage to your belongings). While it adds to the cost, declining coverage means you are personally liable for any and all damages, which could be financially catastrophic.
• Equipment Rentals: You’ll likely need equipment to make the move easier and safer. Dollies, furniture pads (moving blankets), and hand trucks are all rented separately on a per-item or per-dozen basis. These costs can add another $20-$50 to your total.
• Taxes and Fees: Be prepared for a list of additional charges on your final bill. These can include environmental fees, vehicle licensing fees, and state-specific taxes. Some companies may also charge a cleaning fee if the truck is returned dirty.
• Timing: Demand dictates price. Rental rates skyrocket on weekends (especially Saturdays), at the end of the month, and during the peak moving season from May to September. Booking a truck for a mid-week, mid-month move can result in substantial savings.

Always get a detailed quote. That low advertised price can quickly multiply once all costs are factored in. For transparent alternatives, explore our Affordable Moving Truck Rental options.

Rental Requirements and Finding Discounts

Before you rent a truck in Illinois, you’ll need to meet a few requirements:

• Age: Most companies require you to be at least 21. Younger drivers may face extra fees.
• License: You’ll need a valid Illinois driver’s license (a standard Class D is sufficient). No commercial license is required.
• Payment: A major credit card is necessary for the rental fee and a security deposit.

To save money, ask about discounts for military personnel, veterans, AAA members, and college students. Always check the rental company’s website for online promotions, but read the fine print. For moves requiring guaranteed reliability, consider working with Licensed Insured Movers like us.

Comparing Services and Finding a Location

When searching for local moving truck rental near me in areas like Melrose Park or Des Plaines, you’ll find various providers. Key differences include:

• Truck Availability: Selection varies by location, so call ahead to confirm, especially during peak season.
• Mileage Policies: For local moves, you’ll almost always pay per mile. One-way rentals with unlimited miles are rarely necessary for moves within the Chicago area.
• 24/7 Access: Some companies offer app-based pickup and return, which is convenient for early starts or late finishes.
• Add-on Equipment: You can rent dollies, furniture pads, and moving blankets to protect your belongings and your back.

Most local moves are in-town rentals, meaning you pick up and return the truck to the same location. Finding a location is easy using online search tools for your zip code. For more on our service areas, see our South Loop Chicago Local Movers page.

Safe Practices for Your Local Moving Truck Rental Near Me

Driving a large moving truck is very different from a car. Your safety depends on following these practices.

• Load Properly for Balance: The golden rule is to place your heaviest items—refrigerators, washers, dressers—at the front of the truck (closest to the cab) and centered. Distribute about 60% of the weight in the front half of the truck. Keep the weight balanced from side to side to prevent swaying. Lighter items should go on top and in the back.
• Secure Everything Tightly: A partially loaded truck is more dangerous than a full one if items aren’t secured. Use ratchet straps or ropes to tie down everything in sections. Create solid tiers of boxes and furniture. Fill empty spaces with blankets or soft items to prevent any movement. Shifting cargo is a primary cause of accidents.
• Drive Like a Professional: Remember, you’re driving a heavy commercial vehicle, not a car. It takes much longer to stop. Double or triple your usual following distance. Make wide, slow turns to avoid clipping curbs or other vehicles. Avoid sudden lane changes.
• Master the Mirrors: You have no rearview mirror. Before you even leave the rental lot, adjust your side mirrors to minimize blind spots. Get a feel for the truck’s dimensions. If possible, have a spotter help you when backing up.
• Be Obsessed with Height: Low clearance is a DIY mover’s worst nightmare. Know your truck’s exact height (it’s written on a sticker inside the cab or on the truck body) and plan your route to avoid low bridges, parking garages, and even fast-food drive-thrus. Damage from hitting an overhang is not always covered by rental insurance and can be incredibly expensive.
• Handle the Ramp Safely: If your truck has a loading ramp, make sure it is securely hooked to the truck bed before use. Keep the ramp as level as possible and clear of debris. Always walk up and down the ramp; never try to ride a dolly down.
• Know Who to Call: Before you pull out, program the rental company’s 24/7 roadside assistance number into your phone. A flat tire or mechanical issue can happen, and you need to know who to contact immediately.

Following these safety tips is essential for a successful DIY move. For more advice, visit our Moving Tips page.

When a Rental Truck Isn’t Enough: The Full-Service Alternative

So you’ve researched local moving truck rental near me, compared prices, and calculated mileage. But before you commit, ask yourself: is a DIY rental truly the best choice for your situation?

While truck rentals work for some, they aren’t a universal solution. Many people underestimate the true cost of a DIY move until they are already overwhelmed.

Is a Full-Service Mover Right for Your Chicago Relocation?

Searching for a local moving truck rental near me seems like a great way to save money, but that initial savings comes with trade-offs that aren’t always obvious.

• Physical Demands: Moving is exhausting, back-breaking work. Navigating a heavy sofa down a narrow staircase or lifting endless boxes risks injury, especially for the inexperienced.
• Time Investment: A DIY move can consume an entire week with packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking. This is time away from work, family, and other responsibilities.
• Hidden Costs & Damage Risk: The final bill for a “cheap” rental grows with mileage fees, fuel, insurance, and supplies. Worse, without professional packing, a single broken antique or damaged TV can cost more than you saved.
• The Stress Factor: Juggling logistics, driving an unfamiliar vehicle in Chicago traffic, and worrying about your belongings creates a level of stress that can overshadow the excitement of your move.

Now, imagine a different scenario: a professional crew arrives, equipped to handle everything. They pack, lift, and transport your belongings with practiced efficiency. You’re free to manage other details, knowing your move is in expert hands. That’s the value of full-service moving.

Our team at Bernard Movers brings years of experience, specialized equipment, and professional-grade packing materials to every job. What might take you a full weekend, our crew can often complete in a single day. As Licensed Insured Movers, we take on the liability, giving you complete peace of mind.

If you’re moving a large home, have valuable items, face physical limitations, or simply value your time and energy, a full-service move is a smart investment. Our Full Service Moving and Packing Services Chicago are designed to make your relocation effortless. Plus, if you’re moving to Georgia or Florida, we’re offering an additional 20% discount on moves booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.

The choice between a rental truck and professional movers isn’t just about money—it’s about the true cost of DIY versus the value of your time, health, and peace of mind.

Ready to see what a stress-free move looks like? Get a quote for your Chicago local move and let us make your relocation seamless.